04 Viper Head

[OldIron]

I had an 04 head get dented up quite a bit but I was told that I could just smooth out the dented up part with some embry cloth and it would be fine. Does anyone think that will work? I've had my eyes out for an 04 head but they seem hard to find without being beat up.

 

[livewire_101proof]

probably not optimal but i have seen people do this and ran fine with 2 stroke atv,s/dirtbikes.

 

[stein700sx]

Post a pic of the head. If the "bumps" are shallow and the ridges can be removed as not to create hot pockets in the head you should be ok.

 

[pitz0022]

I was quoted $15 to polish my head at a local shop. Might be worth looking into that. MIne was a little too beat up for me to have it done.

 

[OldIron]

Here's a picture. All opinions are welcome.

 

[OldIron]

Here's another since I figured out how to re-size it for TY.

 

[02ViperMody44]

Did you try some acid, I think muriatic, if that is just broken piston parts compressed on that head. It really helps remove left over debris from the head.

 

[sideshowBob]

That head looks like it has more then detonation and piston debris damage...looks to me as though the rod bearing pieces were pounding in there as well.

That head probably could be cleaned up enough to be used, it depends what your plans are for the sled. If you are spending your hard earned money to get it in top shape and are going to ride it for a few more years in any kind of performance use then I would suggest you replace the head.

I have seen people use heads that were damaged like this in the past but if it were me...I would never reuse this head on my own equipment...

JM.02c

Bob

 

[staggs65]

x2, that's more than your average amount of deto. I'd keep looking for a replacement. people are starting to get the itch now so more parts should be popping up online

 

[mopar1rules]

you could have the head machined by hauck or bender, and that would fix the damage.

 

[OldIron]

Well, exactly what happend I may never know. The ring and corner of the piston went which did a job on the head. Also the piston skirt let go with a crack and a piece coming off in the crank case. I believe this was all due to the previous owner skrewing up the exhaust studs so he threw bolts in instead which were causing the exhaust to leak which I believe caused a leaning and eventually burndown. That's what I'm theorizing though. May be wrong.

Thanks for the input.

That head looks like it has more then detonation and piston debris damage...looks to me as though the rod bearing pieces were pounding in there as well.

That head probably could be cleaned up enough to be used, it depends what your plans are for the sled. If you are spending your hard earned money to get it in top shape and are going to ride it for a few more years in any kind of performance use then I would suggest you replace the head.

I have seen people use heads that were damaged like this in the past but if it were me...I would never reuse this head on my own equipment...

JM.02c

Bob

 

[mopar1rules]

Well, exactly what happend I may never know. The ring and corner of the piston went which did a job on the head. Also the piston skirt let go with a crack and a piece coming off in the crank case. I believe this was all due to the previous owner skrewing up the exhaust studs so he threw bolts in instead which were causing the exhaust to leak which I believe caused a leaning and eventually burndown. That's what I'm theorizing though. May be wrong.

Thanks for the input.

it wasn't the bolts used instead of studs, that cause the burndown. studs and bolts and nuts, all do the same thing......hold parts together. you had a burndown from a number of other things.....lean carbueration, leaky crankcase, leaky gaskets, or it was just the lower rod bearing that let go, and the particles are what ate up the rest of the motor.

 

[OldIron]

mopar1rules,
I agree, I wasn't very clear. The bolts were stripped out and they were not doing their job holding the exhaust seal to the cylinder. I could see the gap between the cylinder and the exhaust manifold. I believe this gap leaned the mixture out causing the burndown. I would have still bought that sled had he told me and it would have saved me some $$$ had I known. It would have been an easy fix.

The crank and lower was fine. No problems. Bearings are good, crank is good and rods are good. I just need to start putting it back together. Hopefully I'll get some free time for that soon.